Only schools I REALLY want to go to are Harvard, Columbia, NYU and Georgetown. I will also apply to Yale but I know it is a reach. How are my chances for those schools with my PhD on the table, as well?

My question: will my age prevent me from landing BigLaw and thus make the extra $60K of debt for Fordham a big waste? If not, at what level of debt does R-Nwk (or BLS) make sense?

I'll answer this one portion of the question.Your age will not be a discriminator for hiring you. If you're thinking in terms of why an employer would hire someone 20 years older than the average 1 year associate it is because of this.1. You've already been in the working world and you understand what it takes to make a business work and how to pay your dues. A new associate out of UG/Law school will still have to be taught how to work in the real world (for the most part)2. Most new associates are going to try and ping around from office to office and not be too concerned with setting down roots and working at 1 firm. Law Firms really do want someone that is in for the long haul. You are less likely to continue to uproot your family.3. An employer knows that because of your prior work history they won't have to hold your hand when it comes to leadership and taking the initiative. Which means that clients won't have to pay to teach you how to be a grown up.4. Because of the type of work you've done you should be a great team-player and be used to working in groups and working across the aisle for the purpose of getting the work done.

Don't ever let your age be something you have to explain or make excuses for let it be your benefit.IMHO

Additionally, should I retake the LSAT? Although my practice was limited, the 4 practice tests I took ranged from 167-170, but clearly on game day I choked up a bit. How might another cancellation or a lower score be perceived if I retake and do not perform well?

I wouldn't retake unless you were 150% certain that you would score the same or better. With your numbers, I wouldn't take the risk. IMO, you are good for CCN and down. Good shot at H.

Looking for opinions, and your thought is parallel to mine on the retake. Thinking that if I concentrate on the LSAT and start averaging low 170's on practice exams, I'd get to that 150% assurance mark you mentioned and retake. If not, just gotta go with what I have.

A., thank you for your feedback. I was thinking Cornell was my only real shot at the T14's you listed, with even that being a stretch because of my LSAT score. I'm on the fence about retaking for a better score and more opportunities, as I'm unsure how a potential lower score would affect the admissions process.

Black man, returning to school after 20+ year banking career; 4.0/162 (cancelled my first LSAT attempt). Looking to attend the most challenging law school I can (in the Northeast) and hopefully receive some $$ offers. Any thoughts on chances for acceptance at t14's located within the northeast (Philly and up)? Also considering BC, BU and Fordham.

Additionally, should I retake the LSAT? Although my practice was limited, the 4 practice tests I took ranged from 167-170, but clearly on game day I choked up a bit. How might another cancellation or a lower score be perceived if I retake and do not perform well?